Cleaning porcelain tiles can be daunting, and we've all been there—frustrated with stubborn stains and dirt that won't budge.

However, what’s even worse is that spending hours scrubbing them away without satisfying results gets us discouraged. And what still adds insult to injury is that we may need a professional to help clean our porcelain tiles.

We all know that cleaning porcelain tiles isn’t rocket science. Truly, it isn’t and never was. But what if you look at it from a tile expert’s perspective? If you did, you might discover that you’re damaging your porcelain tiles rather than cleaning them. So, what are the things you need to remember?

Find them all in this guide.

Basic Facts About Porcelain Tiles

Before we unveil the expert cleaning tips, let's understand what porcelain tiles truly are. Knowing their fundamentals will empower you to adopt effective cleaning practices and ensure that your tiles will always remain a timeless and resilient investment.

Composition and Manufacturing

Porcelain tiles are crafted from refined clay through a high-temperature firing process, setting them apart from ceramic tiles. The timeless, unique manufacturing process using refined clay to make porcelain tiles contributes essentially to their water resistance—making them ideal for your various living spaces.

Low Porosity

A key feature of porcelain tiles is their low porosity. This makes them resistant to water damage and staining. Furthermore, this quality is especially crucial in your living spaces where moisture resistance is essential—such as your bathrooms and kitchens. 

Variety in Finishes and Styles

Porcelain tiles come in glazed and unglazed varieties. Glazed porcelain tiles boast a smooth, shiny surface sealed with a clear or colored glaze, while unglazed porcelain tiles have a matte finish—allowing their color to penetrate the entire tile. Additionally, the variety in finishes gives homeowners options to suit their aesthetic preferences.

What’s even more interesting is that research demonstrates that the extruded porcelain stoneware tiles, both glazed and unglazed, have “antimicrobial (to act as a barrier to the bacteria’s growth during a long time), and anti-stain (easy to clean) actions, and possess high chemical resistance.”

This means that “[t]he tiles promote a population reduction of over 77% and 81% for the S. aureus [Staphylococcus aureus] and the E. coli [Escherichia coli] bacteria, respectively (Addition included).” In other words, extruded glazed and unglazed porcelain stoneware tiles are classy and good for your physical health, budget, and overall well-being.

Colors, Sizes, and Shapes

With a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, porcelain tiles offer you versatility for different applications. It only tells you whether you envision a sleek, modern look, rustic, traditional feel, or vibe; porcelain tiles can be tailored to your design preferences.

Hence, it implies that you can design your living spaces in whatever style you want with your porcelain tiles. Speaking of using porcelain tiles in your living room, this blog post might help you decide when to choose the suitable porcelain tiles for your living spaces.

Pro Tip No. 2 – Not all Porcelain Tiles Require Sealing or Waxing

Understanding the differences between glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles is crucial. On the one hand, glazed tiles are easy to clean and don’t require sealing or waxing. A mild cleaner or a vinegar solution is sufficient for regular maintenance.

Research shows the “common treatments” with “hydrofluoric acid and those based on ammonium bifluoride” expose their destructive effect on the glazed porcelain tiles. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that treating the glaze with hydrofluoric acid dissolves some of it, creating surface holes—meanwhile, ammonium bifluoride treatment results in a layer of tiny particles resting atop the glaze. It means tile cleaners with hydrofluoric acid and ammonium bifluoride are hazardous to your glazed porcelain tiles’ longevity and elegance.              

On the other hand, unglazed tiles—with their matte finish—require more care and an annual sealing treatment to protect them from stains and moisture. Cleaning unglazed tiles often requires regular mopping using a mild cleaner or the same vinegar solution mentioned earlier.

Pro Tip No. 3 – Different Tile Styles, Different Cleaning Approach

The style of your porcelain tiles matters when it comes to cleaning. For irregular shapes like hexagonal or mosaic tiles, use a small brush or toothbrush for corners and edges.

Small brushes help clean hexagonal or mosaic porcelain tiles by reaching the corners and edges more quickly than larger brushes. Dark-colored tiles may require extra care to avoid water spots, while light-colored tiles—more porous—may need a sealer and a mild cleaner suitable for unglazed tiles.

Looking for Premium Porcelain Tiles in California?

Follow these expert tips to keep your porcelain tiles looking stunning and strong in your living spaces. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent damage and preserve their beauty.

Avoid common mistakes like using harsh chemicals, ignoring grout lines, or leaving spills unattended. Our expert tips advise that consistent care is critical to maintaining a flawless, long-lasting porcelain tile surface.

Above all, if you're looking for premium porcelain tiles—especially in California—look no further than Otile. Our diverse collection of high-quality tiles, including porcelain, marble, backsplash, subway, and glass mosaic tiles, awaits you.

Connect with us then for more valuable insights and products that cater to all your tile needs. Leave the cleaning worries behind and transform your spaces with our porcelain tile collection.